Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Former BND Chief Arrested in Major German Espionage Investigation
Germany has detained former foreign intelligence chief August Hanning and a former colleague.
Prosecutors suspect them of espionage and other serious offenses.
They allege the colleague passed Hanning about 2,000 documents over several years.
Some documents reportedly held secret information meant for Germany’s intelligence service and senior government officials.
Prosecutors say Hanning used some of the information to write an analysis for a foreign intelligence officer.
They have not named the foreign service involved.
They also say they do not know whether the analysis reached the officer.
Germany’s intelligence service has started an internal investigation.
Former BND president August Hanning, 80, and former senior colleague Manfred D. were detained on suspicion of espionage-related offenses.
Prosecutors allege the arrangement began in 2010 and that Manfred D. supplied Hanning with about 2,000 documents over the years.
Some documents reportedly contained classified intelligence intended for internal BND use and senior officials at the Chancellery.
Prosecutors allege Hanning used some intelligence to prepare an analysis for a foreign intelligence officer, but say it is unclear whether the material reached that person.
The BND has opened an internal inquiry, and searches were conducted at locations linked to the suspects, including in Berlin.
- Who
- Former BND chief August Hanning and his former senior colleague, identified as Manfred D.
- What
- They were detained on suspicion of espionage-related offenses; prosecutors allege classified documents were passed to Hanning.
- When
- The detentions were reported on Tuesday; prosecutors allege the arrangement began in 2010.
- Where
- Germany, with searches reported at sites in Berlin and other premises linked to the suspects.
- Why
- Prosecutors suspect classified intelligence was obtained and used in connection with a foreign intelligence service; the service has not been identified.
- Former BND president
- August Hanning led the Federal Intelligence Service from 1998 to 2005.
- Age
- Hanning is 80.
- Alleged start
- Prosecutors say the arrangement between the men dates to 2010.
- Documents
- Prosecutors allege Manfred D. provided Hanning approximately 2,000 documents.
- Alleged material
- The documents reportedly included classified intelligence prepared for internal BND use and senior officials at the Chancellery.
- Foreign service
- Authorities have not identified the foreign intelligence service allegedly involved.
- Investigation
- The BND said it launched an internal inquiry after suspicions surfaced.